Bartlett, B.R., & Ball, J.C. 1966 The evolution of host suitability in a polyphagous parasite with special reference to the role of parasite egg encapsulation.. Annals of the Entomological Society of America 59(1): 42-45.

Notes: Attempts were made to reconstruct the evolutionary pathways by which suitability to new hosts might be acquired and developed by a polyphagous parasite. Three criteria of host suitability -- acceptability for oviposition, incidence of parasite egg encapsulation, and fitness for maturation of parasite larvae -- were measured in some new and some regular host scale insects of the encyrtid parasite Metaphycus luteolus (Timberlake). Values of each suitability measure varied within each host species, no single criterion serving as a reliable index of overall suitability. Coccus hesperidum is the main species attacked by M. luteolus. Coccus pseudomagnoliarum, Lecanium corni, Saissetia hemisphaerica and S. oleae are mentioned as less attractive to M. luteolus for various reasons.